OSU hires independent investigator

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STILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma State University president, Burns Hargis, announced Monday afternoon that the university has appointed someone to lead an independent review of alleged misconduct in their football program.

The announcement came on the heels of the release of the final article from Sports Illustrated's investigation.

The university has hired Charles Smrt with The Compliance Group, a Lenexa, Kansas based consulting firm.

Smrt was employed by the NCAA enforcement staff for more than 17 years and was responsible for the overall coordination of the major infractions process.

"While the articles do not implicate any current coaches or players to have direct involvement in any alleged misconduct, we have a responsibility to confront these disturbing reports head on and with complete transparency," said Hargis.

The Chairman of the OSU Board of Regents, Tucker Link, went on O-State TV Monday afternoon recommending the hiring.

"Engagement of an independent investigator is not only the right thing to do, it's the right way to proceed. We need to get to the truth. We need to get confirmed sources and we need to get to the facts," said Link.